The Experts
Chris Vogler
Mythical Structure Expert, Hollywood Screenwriter
Author of The Writer's Journey
Christopher Vogler is an esteemed development executive, screenwriter, author and educator, best known for working with Disney and his screenwriting guide, The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers, from 2007. He studied filmmaking at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts - formerly the USC School of Cinema-Television, otherwise known as CNTV, the alma mater of George Lucas. Like him, he was inspired by the writings of mythologist Joseph Campbell, particularly The Hero with a Thousand Faces, which detailed the Hero's Journey archetype in classical mythology. Vogler has since spun off his techniques into worldwide Masterclasses.
Vogler has worked for Disney studios, Fox 2000 pictures, and Warner Bros. in the development department. He contributed story material to the Disney animated feature, The Lion King (1994). He has also taught in the USC School of Cinema-Television (known today as USC School of Cinematic Arts), Division of Animation and Digital Arts as well as at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) extension. He is President of the company Storytech Literary Consulting. It was founded in 1999 and its Vice President, Brad Schreiber, consults on scripts and books, utilizing Vogler's approach.
Kevin Shinick
Comic Creator & TV Writer: Robot Chicken, Mad, Marvel’s Spider-Man
Kevin Shinick is an Emmy award winning writer as well as an actor, director and multiple Annie award winning producer. Having earned a pop culture pedigree by working alongside George Lucas, directing Stan Lee, collaborating with the rock band KISS and helping Mike Tyson solve a few mysteries, Shinick is perhaps best known for his work on the shows Robot Chicken (1 Emmy award/ 3 Annie awards) and MAD (1 Emmy nomination/ 1 Annie nomination) an animated series he created for Cartoon Network, based on the iconic humor magazine.
Kevin is also a writer for Marvel Comics: Superior Carnage, Avenging Spider-Man and AXIS: Hobgoblin (the latter nominated for Best Mini-Series of 2014) and has the distinction of having written and directed the first ever feature length stage adaptation of Spider-Man, which played to sold out houses at Radio City Music Hall and toured the country long before the current Broadway incarnation. Kevin has written for DC Comics, Disney Publishing, Lucasfilm Animation, EA Games, Comedy Central's Ugly Americans and most recently, the animated feature: Scooby Doo and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery. Kevin has voiced characters on The Cleveland Show, MAD, Robot Chicken, Ugly Americans, Titan Maximum and The Looney Tunes Show. As an actor, he has performed in over a half a dozen Broadway shows, numerous TV and film projects and as the host of the Emmy award winning series, Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego? - a popular 90s science fiction quiz show that landed him in the pages of teen magazines, onto trading cards and into his own action figure.
Monti Pal, M.Ed., LPC
Trauma Counselor
Monti Pal holds a Master of Education in Educational Counseling from the University of Texas at Austin, and is dedicated to helping individuals navigate a variety of issues, including anxiety and depression. She has previously worked at SafePlace, where she supported individuals who experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. At Bowie High School College and Career Center, Monti provided career and academic counseling to high school students and co-facilitated an adolescent grief support group.
Her clinical experience includes roles at Bluebonnet MHMR, a community mental health center in Round Rock, and Rock Springs Hospital, a psychiatric facility. These equipped her with valuable experiences in working with individuals diagnosed with severe psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe recurrent depression.
She specializes in supporting those who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, and trauma, as well as individuals who are highly self-critical and those facing infertility concerns. With a strong interest in the LGBTQI community, Monti focused her Master’s Report on domestic violence within this population.
Chuck Rozanski
Owner of Mile High Comics
Chuck Rozanski is a prominent figure in the comic book industry, celebrated for his contributions as a retailer, publisher, and advocate for comic book culture. As the founder of Mile High Comics, one of the largest comic book retailers in the world, Chuck has played a crucial role in expanding the accessibility and appreciation of comic books.
With a deep passion for comics that began in his youth, Chuck has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the medium. His expertise in the comic book market and commitment to collectors has made him a respected voice in the industry. He has been instrumental in organizing events, supporting creators, and advocating for the importance of comics as a form of art and storytelling.
In addition to his retail endeavors, Chuck has also ventured into publishing, contributing to the creation of independent comic book titles that reflect his love for diverse narratives. His influence extends beyond commerce; he is a beloved figure among fans and creators alike, known for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and unwavering support of the comic book community.
Matt Nelson
President of CGC Comics, Comic Book Expert
Matt Nelson began collecting vintage comics at an early age, starting with a copy of Iron Man #1 that he received for his 14th birthday. By age 18 he had opened More Fun Comics with Bill Ponseti, and within two years Matt became the youngest Overstreet Advisor ever. Shortly thereafter, Matt opened Classics Incorporated, a business dedicated to comic restoration.
After CGC opened in 2000, Matt quickly realized the potential of 3rd party grading in the industry and added pressing and removal services to his business. In 2008, Matt and Kenny Sanderson introduced the revolutionary process of leaf casting to comic restoration, elevating the process to new heights. That same year he also partnered with Stephen Ritter to open Worldwide Comics, selling high end vintage comics both online and at shows throughout the country. CGC purchased Classics Incorporated in 2013, relocated the business to Sarasota, FL and renamed it Classic Collectible Services (CCS).
In 2016, Matt transitioned from President of CCS to Primary Grader at CGC, and then in 2021, he was promoted to President of CGC. His handling of hundreds of thousands of high end comics, including the most valuable comics ever sold, plus an intimate knowledge of their history and pedigrees gives Matt the skill set required to accurately assess any comic book he holds.